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IVAN; 



A TRAGEDY. 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



ALTERED AND ADAPTED FOR REPRESENTATION. 



BY WILLIAM SOTHEBY, ESQ. 



LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. 
1816. 



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HANS SLOANE, ESQ. 



DEAR SIR, 

I must indulge the warmth of feeling, which 
induces me, without previous communication, to 
dedicate to you, the following Tragedy, as a 
trifling acknowledgement of gratitude for many 
acts of real kindness. 

The cultivation of polite literature has never 
been neglected by you, amid the important du- 
ties, which, through a long and honourable life, 
voluntarily devoted to public services, have most 
usefully engaged your time and talents, as a 
Senator, a Soldier, and a Magistrate. 
a 2 



If, in cultivated minds, like yours, " Ivan," 
altered and corrected, can excite any interest, 
the labour of the Author will receive its most 
grateful recompense. 

Your affectionate Nephew, 

WILLIAM SOTHEBY. 

London, 
March 7th, 1816. 






PREFACE. 



To have pointed out, in their respective places, 
the numerous, but less important alterations, oc- 
casioned by adapting the following Tragedy from 
the closet to the stage, would have disfigured the 
page, and fatigued the patience of the writer and 
the reader : but the author of " Ivan" ventures 
to particularize the whole scene, entirely new, 
which concludes the Third Act, and the addi- 
tional speeches between Ivan and Naritzin, in 
the Third Scene of the Fifth Act. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



MEN. 

Ivan, the deposed Emperor of Russia. 
Count Naritzin, Governor of Schlusselburgh. 
Count Rimuni, Favourite of the Empress. 
Galinovitz, Sub-governor. 
Mirovitz, an Officer on guard in the Fort. 
Feodor, his Brother, ditto. 
Galvez, Servant of Naritzin. 
Narshkoff and two sons, Fishermen. 
Ortosk, Sentinel. 

Senators, Conspirators, Soldiers. 

WOMEN 4 . 

Elizabeth, Empress of Russia. 
Petrowna, Wife of Count Naritzin, 

Place, the Fort of Schlusselburgh, an isk 
in the Neva. 



Time, fourteen hours. 



IVAN. 



ACT I. 

SCENE I. 



A dark Cavern, outside the Ramparts, on the 
Borders of the Neva ; in the back ground, the 
Fort and Castle of Schlusselburgh. 

Several Conspirators ivalking, in seeming impa- 
tience, to and fro. 

1st Con. Would Mirovitz were here! why this 
delay ? 

Feodor enters in haste 

Feo. Welcome, my friends ; your zeal has out- 
pac'd time. 
Hark! 'tis the morning-watch — from tow'rtotow'r, 
Around yon fort's wide circuit, loudly rings 
The voice of challenged sentinels; and, lo! 
The sun, swift springing from the vale of vapours, 
O'er wide Ladoga's peaceful water, darts 
His level ray. Thrice welcome, gallant comrades! 

B 



12 IVAN, [act i. 

The fair dawn, like a blissful omen, beams 
Propitious on our meeting. 

1st Con. Why delays 
Your brother, Mivoritz ? 

Feo. Brave comrades, dread not 
In Mirovitz delay. Have ye not oft-time 
Witness'd his valour ; first to mount the breach ; 
Or, singly, scale the fortress ? Wherefore then 
Now doubt his resolution ? 

2d Con. Hark, some step 
Approaches. 

1st Con. Comrades! be upon your guard. 

[ They draw their swords. 
Nearer it hastens : on your guard-; I warn yon. 
Now boldly challenge. 

2d Con. Friend or foe ? Advance not, 

Mirovitz enters, 

Feo. Tis Mirovitz. 

Miro. Put up your swords, my friends ! 
And I intreat you pardon this delay : 
A herald from the court awhile detain'd me. 

Feo. A herald ! what his mission ? 

Miro. It concerns us ; 
It deeply touches us : give patient hearing. 
Now, at this hour, beneath this cave obscure, 
No spy will steal upon us, 

1st Con. We attend. 

Miro. The herald who detain'd mehasconfirnrcl 
The rumour, that so long has vex'd this isle 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 13 

With woe and indignation : — yes, brave soldiers! 
Your chieftain is disgraced. 

1st Con. The good Naritzin ! 
Whose rule and kindly governmeut have chang'd 
This isle of misery to the blest abode 
Of soothing pity!— why disgrac'd? 

Mire. Rimuni, 
The minion, dreads him ; seek no further cause. 
This day the base Rimuni, and Elizabeth, 
Th' usurper, in these woeful haunts, decide 
Naritzin's doom: Siberia's wilds await him. 
Meantime the charge and custody of Ivan 
(Curse on the tyrants! mine by right that charge) 
Rest on Michelovitz. 

Feo. You long have shar'd 
His secret councils. 

Miro. Yes ; Michelovitz 
In secret favours Ivan ; and at times, 
Not in dark hints and doubtful words, has urg'd 
Naritzin's consort, his belov'd Petrowna, 
To aid his high design, and rouse the prince 
To vindicate his birthright. In Petrowna 
The soul of Ivan breathes ; but while his charge 
Securely rested on Naritzin's word, 
Petrowna mourn'd in secret, and refus'd 
To listen to Michelovitz : but now, 
When insult and oppression threat Naritzin, 
Her high indignant spirit, unreprest, 
Feels fresh abhorrence of th' usurper's guilt, 
And glows for Ivan's freedom. 

Feo. Fix the hour: 

b 2 



14 IVAN, [ACT I. 

All now are present — the selected guard 
This night who watch o'er Ivan : speak thy will. 
Miro. My will! not so: 'tis loyalty, 'tis honour 
Points outtheir path. Comrades,theprisoner,Ivan, 
Is Russia's rightful Emperor. He was crown'd 
King in his cradle. Soldiers! 'tis your sovereign 
Claims vengeance. By his wrongs, his woes, I 

urge you : 
Recal to mind the day which hail'd him monarch, 
Saw him a helpless prisoner ; call to mind, 
How, on from fort to fort, they dragg'd their victim, 
Ere to this spot accurst, this last abode 
Of mis'ry and despair, Rimuni doom'd him 
As one entomb'd alive, in yon drear cell 
To moulder limb by limb. 

1st. Con. His woe would melt 
A heart of stone. 

Miro. Say rather, rouse the soul 
To direst vengeance. Since that day of horrors 
No ray of light has glimmer'd on the cell 
That hears his groan : and till renown'd Naritzin 
Deign'd guard this isle, the fierce barbarians tor- 

tur'd 
His tender limbs — the sentinels on watch, 
Tho' us'd to blood, and groans of horrid death, 
Have quak'd to hear his night-shriek — Gallant 

soldiers ! 
Hear! — hear you this? and shall such foul mis- 
deeds, 
That at the mention chill the soul with horror, 
Pass unaveng'd ? 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 15 

1st Con. No — we will free our sov'reign. 
Fix thou the hour. 

Miro. First, yield me patient hearing. 
You all revere Naritzin. 

1st Con. Yes — as children 
Honour a father. 

Miro. You would shed your blood 
To shield him from oppression. 

1st Con. Freely ! 

2d Con. Freely ! 
Miro. Naritzin cannot brook such deep disgrace. 
Thus wrong'd by her: her — on whose brow his 

hand 
Once fix'd the crown! if fam'd Naritzin join us, 
The realm would rise in arms. 

Cons. Lead to Naritzin — 

Miro. [stopping them.] Yet stay. 
Say, gallant soldiers ! if the lord Naritzin 
Decline our proffer'd aid, are all resolv'd 
To free their sov'reign ? 

1st. Con. We will rescue Ivan, 
Or bravely perish. On — 

Miro. Go, Feodor, 
Thou lead them to Naritzin, and there urge 
All that the brave dare utter — I, meantime, 
Will arm the mariners ; bold men, prepar'd 
At warning, o'er yon flood to waft their king 
To liberty and empire. — Friends, farewell ! 
Yet, ere we part, a soldier's honour pledge, 
That in this cave, ere night-fall, once again 



16 IVAN, [ACT 2, 

We meet, to fix the hour, and give to each 
Fit charge and separate station. 

1st Con. Yes — ere night-fall, 
Here we will meet. To thee we freely pledge 
A soldier's honour —(to Feodor) — Lead us forth. 

Feo. Brave comrades, 
I lead where glory summons : fearless follow. 

[Exewii* 



SCENE II. 

A rocky shore on the margin of the Lake, over-' 
looked by a Bastion of the Fort. 

Narshkoff and his two Sons enter, and spread a 
Net on the Rocks. 

Son. [to his brother.] Cheer you, my brother : 
here awhile take rest : 
You are o'er-tir-'d: here in the sun repose. 

Narsh. Give me the net, and I will spread it out. 
And on the smooth rock dry its dripping meshes: 
So, if perchance some soldier cross our way, 
We shall not breed suspicion, but may seem 
Intent on our day labour. 

[He looks round earnestly. 
Son. Tell me, father, 
Why do you seem disturb'd? what care comes o'er 

you? 
Why point to yon dark nook? 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 17 

Nars7i. We have c-'er-shot it. 
Look, my brave boys, our tough oars haveo'er-shot 
The little creek — 'Tis there, beneath that rock, 
Where yon huge birch bow'd down by weight of 

years 
Hangs o'er the Neva. 

Son. 'Tis a cheerless spot, 
Gloomy as night — 

Narsh. That was th' appointed place ; 
There we must anchor our light skiff, and wait 
The signal — When, at night, the torch thrice waves 
On yon tall eastern turret — look — 

Son. I note it — 

Narsh. At the third signal, at a moment's warning 
All must be ready : we must hoist the sail 
If fair the breeze: if foul, brave boys, your sinews 
Must not refuse to labour at the oar, 
Till our good vessel o'er Ladoga's lake 
Has safely wafted the entrusted charge — 
It was no trifling bribe — 

Son. Our life's at hazard — 

Narsh. So is it, every day, when we do tempt 
The wave, and cast our meshes in the flood. 
Look you, so we but reach yon shore in safety 
The rest of life we may carouse at will. 
Take up the net — push off the boat— away — 

Son. My brother is o'er-tir'd ; a little moment, 
A moment rest. And, tell us, I entreat you, 
Whom we must land in safety on yon shore? 

Narsh, I know not: but, no doubt, some high- 
born prisoner. 



18 IVAN, [act i; 

Son. Oh ! were it Ivan, 
This hand should from my arm first drop in the 

wave 
Ere it let loose the oar. That hapless youth ! 
I know not why it is, whene'er I hear 
His story, though it sorely grieve my heart, 
Yet doth it chain mine ear. 

Narsh. 'Tis ever so 
When miseries unprovok'd command our pity. 
In sooth his woe would melt a heart of stone. 
Ivan is rightful emperor : he was crown'd 
King in his cradle — 

Son. Out — alas the day ! 
It had been better, father, had poor Ivan 
Our brother been, and born like us to labour. 
Then — he had 'scap'd those torturers. 

Narsh. Would that Ivan 
Had perish'd with the monk who lur'd him forth, 
Ere to yon hideous cave the ruffians dragg'd him! 
'Tis now eight years gone by, and Ivan then 
Scarce ten years old ! 'Twasa bleak eve, and loudly 
The Neva roar'd : I never shall forget it. 
Just as I moor'd my boat yon side the flood, 
A band of soldiers hail'd me : loud their voice, 
And fiercely, as in wrath, their swords unsheath'd 
Wav'd o'er their prisoners. 'Twas a piteous sight, 
And all was strife and tumult. I full fain 
Had fled the spot, when one, with whose stern voice 
I dar'd not parley, bad me to this isle 
Ferry the prisoners, Ivan, and the monk, 
Each bound in chains — 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. W 

Son. The boy, their king, in chains ! 

Narsh. Sore manacled. The child sunk down 
o'erpower'd, 
Mute, motionless, save ever and anon 
A big- tear trickled, and a deep sigh burst 
As it would break his heart. Not so the monk : 
I heard his thrilling outcry, as he writh'd 
And struggled with his chains, and with clench'd 
In frantic rage oft struck his hoary temples, [fist 
And as I reach'd the fort, j ust as my oar 
Spent its last stroke, the monk, uprising, dash'd 
From either side the guard that closely grasp' d him, 
Then plung'd into the flood with all his weight 
Of fetters. — Never man beheld him more : 
Save, yearly, on that day, that very hour 
He perish'd, some have seen — 

Son. Seen what? Say, father — 

Narsh. His very self, that monk, so manacled, 
Rise from the flood, and point with threat'ning 

hand 
To Ivan's tow'r. But, hush ! the air has ears, 
And the whole isle is vex'd with vig'lant spies. 

[Ortosk, a Sentinel, appears on the bastion. 
Come, let us hence — 

Ort. Speak — 

Son. 'Tis the sentinel ! 

Ort. I charge you, on your lives, say, wherefore 
here? 
Why on this spot? 

Narsh. We are poor fishermen 
Who in these waters seek by daily labour 
c 



20 IVAN, [act i. 

Our hard-earn'd food. We were o'er-tird, good 

soldier, 
And came to dry our nets, and rest awhile 
On this smooth beach. 

Ort. Away, nor loiter here : 
If, when I challenge next, yon here are found, 
You are for life imprisoned. [Sentinel goes. 

Narsh. Come, my boys ! 
'Tis dangerous tarrying here. 

Son. Oh grant, kind heav'n 
That this stout oar may bear poor Ivan hence, 
And I will prize it as a monarch's sceptre. [Exeunt. 



SCENE III. 
Narilzhis Castle. 

Naritzin. 

Narit. Wrongd by Elizabeth! thy offspring! 
thine, 
Thou father of thy country ! 
Her, on whose brow this hand the diadem fix'd 
Reft from the hapless Ivan ! Judge of earth \ 
And must Naritzin's conscious lip confess 
'Tis righteous retribution? Must I own 
In bitterness of self-accusing misery 
Th' eternal truth, " One deed unhallow'd teems 
With woe engend'ring woe?" What now awaits 

me? 
Death, or drear exile, where Siberia's snows 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 21 

Shall sepulchre my bones. Oh ! were it mine 
Alone to suffer! Hear me, Heaven! on me, 
Heap on this head thy fury ! Spare Petrowna ! 
Oh shield the innocent Ivan ! 

Galvez enters. 

Galvez here ! 

Why thus uncall'd ? [A shout heard. 

Gal. My lord, and honoured master, 
Hark to the voice that loudly calls on you : 
None, none shall injure you. 

Narit. ( To Galvez) Wherefore this tumult ? 

Gal. All whom this isle contains, tlvindignant 
soldiers 
Are risen to rescue you. 
'Tis known to all, 

That here, the woman whom thy pow'r exalted, 
She who has basely wrong'd thee, and her minion, 
The insolent Rimuni, meet this day 
To seal thy condemnation. 

[Voices without.] Comrades, on — 
Our swords shall guard Naritzin. 

Narit. [to Galvez.] Go, control 
Their fury. 

Gal. 'Tis in vain. Their rage inflamed, 
If you deny them audience, will break forth 
In maddening insurrection. 
Good, my lord, 

Admit them to thy presence. Thou hast ever 
Heard , and redrest their grievance. I beseech thee, 
Vouchsafe them gracious hearing. 



22 IVAN, [act I. 

Narit. [to Galvez.] Give them entrance. 

[Exit Galvez. 
Yes, I will curb this tumult. Aid me, heav'n! 
Make firm my mind, that I may yet withstand 
This dread temptation ! 

Feodor and Soldiers enter. 

Wherefore here? Why, soldiers, 
This tumult? Who has injur'd you? 

Feo. My lord, 
You they have injur'd, basely wrong'd you. — 

Hear us : 
Your rule has ever been most merciful : 
Your kindness and humanity have sooth'd 
Th'abode of horror : and while yet our hands- 
Have strength to wield a soldier's weapon, none 
Shall force you from this isle. 

Narit. Say, what thy purpose ? 

Feo. To rescue you from violence and wrong. 

Nar. Thou, rescue me? Whence thy authority? 

Feo. High heav'n, who wills not that the guilt- 
less suffer, 
The soul's resistless impulse to abase 
Tyrannic pow'r. 

Narit. Proud words but ill conceal 
Disloyal deeds. Soldiers, obey : depart 
Ere death repress your daring. Hence — 

Sol. Speak, Feodor, 
This is a righteous cause. 

Feo. You see these veteran^ 



scene in] A TRAGEDY. 23 

Men like myself, grey-headed, worn with service: 
You know their gallant deeds. 

Narit. Yes, oft have witness'd. 
There's not a breast of those who now surround me 
Undinted by brave wounds. 

Feo. Shall then the chief 
Who marshall'd us to conquest, fall a victim 
To base suspicion ? No: their brave right hands 
Each on his sword, are pledg'd. Speak but the 

word, 
The cannon levell'd to announce the arrival 
Of those weak tyrants, 'neath Ladoga's water 
Shall plunge in all its bravery their galley 
Ere it insult the fort. 

Narit. I'll hear no more. 
I am unarm'd, or I had plung'd my sword, 
Bold rebel! in thy breast. 

Feo. At will command us: 
Naritzin's word needs not a sovereign's sanction. 

Narit. If then Naritzin's word has pow'r, obey it. 
None but myself can vindicate my honour. 
Soldiers, your zeal betrays you. What your pur- 
pose? 
To shield Naritzin from the iron grasp 
Of merciless oppression? How? By deeds 
Whose guilt and dire enormities outswell 
The vile traducer's malice: deeds that cast 
Round spotless loyalty the blood-stain'd garb 
Of treason and rebellion. Here, first plunge 
Your weapons, ere a mutinous arm be rais'd 
To strike th'anointed brow. Revere your sov'reign! 
Each to his home, in peace, and from Naritzin 



24 IVAN, [act i. 



Petrowna enters. 

Learn to submit. [Feodor and Soldiers depart. 
Petrowna here ! 

Pet. Submit! 
Was that thy word ? and did I rightly hear it? 
Revenge! revenge! Oh! if thy wrongs, Naritzin, 
Ronse not just vengeance, hear me — I implore 

thee ! 
Hear me pour forth my inmost soul, and plead 
For one in hopeless anguish, one by all 
Abandon'd : one, on whom no sun by day, 
Nor moon nor star by night, has sent its beam : 
Who for the freshness of the vital air, 
Drinks foul contagion, and for human utterance, 
Hears but the echo rendering back the groan 
That heav'd his bursting heart. — I plead for Ivan. 

Narit. You wound my soul. 

Pet. Is mine at peace ? Free Ivan, 
And fix him (for thou canst — thy word haspow'r) 
King on his father's throne. 

Narit. I crown'd Elizabeth, 
The daughter of my lord and much lov'd master, 
The father of his country. I enthron'd her, 
Urge me no more. 

Pet. Thou didst enthrone her! yes! 
What thy reward? let base Rimuni answer. 
Hear, and avenge! To thee, an injur'd nation 
Lifts up her voice. Behold our far-fam'd realm, 
That once, by Peter's godlike soul exalted, 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 25 

Tower'd proudly eminent : as stateliest pine 
That, rooted on the ice-cleft rock, outbraves 
The war of winds, and, fro i its brow majestic, 
Show'rs into dust impalpable the weight 
Of winter's snows, — now droops beneath the 

gloom 
Of luxury and sloth. Voluptuousness 
Has mildew'd its fair growth ; stern tyranny 
Lopt each brave shoot ; and foul corruption chang'd 
Its sap and vital nutriment to poison, 

Circling through all its veins. Naritzin ! rise, 

And crush th' usurper. 

Narit. Oh that heav'n's wing'd fires 
Had pierc'd my brow, or ere I had dethror/d 
The unoffending child ! 

Pet. Restore him. Free 
From anguish and remorse thy troubled spirit. 

Naril. Hence ! lest I do a deed whose mere 
suggestion 
Rives me with horror. 

[Cannon and shouts heard. 
Heard you not that sound? 
Those shouts ? That roar of cannon ? 'Tis — 

Pet. [Interrupting him.] Th' Usurper ! 

Narit. [Shouts, and sound of cannon repeated.] 
Again ! 

Pet. That sound announces her arrival 
This side the Neva. 

Narit. Now awhile, Petrowna, 
Farewell. I must prepare and arm my spirit — 

Pet. [Interrupting him.] For insult, for op- 
pression, for dire injuries 



26 IVAN, [act x- 

That mock the utterance ; hear my farewell word. 
We may not meet again. Thou art the temple 
Where honour dwells enshrined ; and shall thy 

knee 
Bend at Rimuni's beck — and must Petrowna 
(Spare, spare me that disgrace!) look tamely on, 
And see her lord lift vainly up the hand 
That crown'd and uncrown'd kings, to that base 

minion 
A supplicant for pity ! 

Nat it. Never ! never ! 
Bend to Rimuni ! lift to him this hand! 
Rather its strength shall o'er yon rampart wave 
War's crimson standard, and array the realm 
In Ivan's cause. My power shall yet prevail — 
Thro' me the voice of truth shall reach the throne 
And silence the oppressor. I this day 
Will lighten Ivan's doom ; yon sun this day 
Shall see Naritzin or Rimuni perish. 
Awhile farewell. [Exit Naritzin. 

Pet. Go thou where honour calls ; 
Th' oppressor shall not triumph — Ivan reign ! 



END OF ACT I. 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 27 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. 

A subterraneous Vault leading to Ivan's Cell. 

Petrowna enters with a Lamp. 

Pet. Why comes not Mirovitz ? 
Revolt rings round the isle ; where'er I pass, 
Before me bursts the shout that bids Naritzin 
Resist the usurper — while the weak Elizabeth 
Leant on Naritzin's sacred word, my soul 
Supprest its ardour ; but Naritzin wrong'd, 
Hope, that long slumber'd, like a giant springs 
Fresh from repose, and urges on to action. 
The glorious vision fires me; ne'er, till now, 
Has bold imagination dar'd to shape 
The righteous enterprise, that, still deferr'd, 
Transfix'd my heart with agony, and bath'd 
In secret tears my pillow. Ivan ! Ivan ! 
Thou, o'er whose agonizing woe I hung ; 
Thou, whose harsh doom of unexampled suffer- 
ings, 
Whose very weakness and infirmity 
Have link'd thee to my soul, Petrowna's hand 
Shall cast thy fetters off, and lead thee forth 
To liberty and empire. 

Mirovitz enters. 
Mirovitz ! 



28 IVAN, [act ii. 

Miro. At your command I come ; be brief, I 
pray you : 
The island swarms with spies — I must not here 
Be trac'd in secret conference — be brief. 

Pet. Say, is it fix'd that you this night hold 
watch 
O'er Ivan ? 
Miro. Yes. 

Pet. Have you forewarn'd the guard ? 
Miro. All sworn — delay me not; what your 

resolve? 
Pet. To fix on Ivan's brow the crown, or perish. 
But, Mirovitz, o'er this day's close, o'er all 
Dark doubt impends; and, if once more th' 

usurper 
Should reinstate Naritzin — if once more 
Rest on his word her throne, we must forego 
The glorious hope, and Ivan, in yon cell, 
Die unrevenged. 

Miro. Knows Ivan thy resolve? 
Pet. E'en now I seek his cell, to arm his mind 
To follow thee, if summon'd — now farewell — 
But, ere you fix the guard, once more await me 
In secret at the southern tower — (as she isgohig) 
—farewell ! (Exit Peteovvna. 

Miro. I shall not fail — and deem'st thou, then, 
proud woman, 
I move but at thy bidding? what to me 
Naritzin's honour? mine, my injuries claim 
Revenge, that marks its character in blood — 
The guard, to me devoted, at my word 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 29 

This night will rescue Ivan — sure success, 
Or death my doom. Be Ivan's mind but firm, 
Elizabeth shall kneel at Ivan's throne. [Exit. 



SCENE II. 

Ivan's Cell, faintly ilium dtvith one central Lamp. 
Ivan starts from his Couch, and follows, with 
his eye, the Phantom of his Imagination. 

Ivan. Avaunt, terrific vision ! Hold my brain! 
Com'st thou to warn me of approaching death; 
Again in all thy horror reascend, 
And I will hail thee, whatso'er thy nature, 
The harbinger of Heaven : — again it floats — 
Art thou a breathing form, like those that tenant 
The upper world, and wander uncontrolled 
In the free light of day ? Speak ! — 

Petrowna enters with a Lamp. 

Pet. Ivan! 

Ivan. Gone ! 

So perish Ivan ! (Throwing himself down.) 

Let me breathe my last 
On these dark flints, and never, never more 
Vex with my groan creation ! 

Pet. Ivan ! Oh, answer me ! He hears me not ; 
Or at the breath, the whisper of my word, 
His voice had given kind welcome. 

Ivan, (starting up.) Who art thou ? 
That onward glidest with seraphic brightness, 
d 2 



30 IVAN, [act ii. 

Illumining the gloom, and beaming on me 
Rays of celestial pity ? 

Pet. 'Tis Petrowna. 

Ivan. Ha! isitthon, Petrowna? None but thou? 

Pet. There is none else. 

Ivan. I pray you, turn your lamp, 
There, steadily ; no ray of light there gleams : 
It may be lurking there. 

Pet. What dost thou gaze on? 

Ivan, (alarmed) Does not that lamp pass, 
wav'ring, by thee ? 

Pet. Ivan! 

Ivan, (motioning with his hand) So — it past, 
wavering by me! Oh ! Petrowna, 
It was no shadow — no unreal phantom, 
Such as oft haunt my troubled sleep: I saw it 
Distinctly, as, now flaming there ; that lamp 
Past on before me, wavering — as borne 
By some invisible arm. Behind it stalk'd, 
With ponderous tread, a form of giant stature; 
I could not trace its features : in its hand 
A poignard gleam'd — and, ever and anon, 
A shroud, that reek'd with blood drops, floated 
round it. 

On me the murderer sprang ! Yet, yet I hear 

His hideous yell ; I feel his iron grasp ! 

Give me thy hand. [Catches her arm. 

Pet. Thy fever'd hand is fire : 
And- — now — the chill fit shakes thee. 

Ivan. Raise me up ; 
My limbs sink under me ! 



\ 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 31 

Support me ! [Looking earnestly on Iter. 

Ha! Petrowna! on thy eyelid 

The tear-drop trembles. Why, why turn away ? 

Sure more than wonted gloom fills all the cell ; 

Or, if I rightly see, unwonted paleness 

Has blanch'd thy cheek. Do not conceal aught 

from me : 
All, I can bear ; all, suffer — save the pang 
That preys on thee in secret. 

Pet. 'Tis for thee 

Alone I feel. 

Oh ! Ivan, calm thy soul ; call Heav'n to aid thee. 
The tongue of slander has traduc'd Naritzin ; 
Rimuni has accused him ; and Michelovitz 
O'er thee holds charge. 
I know his secret soul ; it honours thee. 
Ivan ! be calm : this day, to these sad haunts, 

The minion, base Rimuni, and the empress- 

Ivan. ( inter rr up ting her) Th' usurper! the fell 
fiend, who wears my crown ! 

Pet. Awhile forego these thoughts : no povv'r 
can save thee 
If such rash words reach other ear than mine. 
This day the empress comes, to doom, I fear, 
My lord to exile ; and, it may be, Ivan ! 
We ne'er shall meet again. 

Ivan. Wing'd lightnings strike her! 

Pet. Oh ! give me patient hearing. It may 
please 
The sovereign, in her pride, to look on thee. 



32 IVAN, [act ii. 

Ivan. Oh I never will her stern eye look again 
On Ivan living. 

Pet. Yet, if such her will, 
Be mild, be gentle : then the menacing storm 
May pass away unfelt. 

Ivan. I will obey thee — 
Would that I ne'er again might see that fiend ! 
No — let me but behold her, but in day-light 
Stand up, and, front to front, pour in her heart 
The gather'd fire that inwardly consumes me : 
Then die. — Her gaze of insult shall not rest 
Triumphantly on Ivan. 

Pet. I implore thee, 
I urge thee, Ivan ! by Petrowna's love, 
By years of unremitted tenderness ; 
I do entreat thee, by these tears, that gush 
Like life drops from my heart- 

Ivan, (interrupting her) Say, what thy wish ? 

Pet. That thou, in presence of Elizabeth, 
Suppress thy indignation. 

Ivan. In her presence 
Conceal my just abhorrence ! urge it not ; 
I would not disobey thee. 

Pet. Else, must perish 
Petrowna's high rais'd hopes. 

Ivan. Thine! I will kneel before her. 

Pet. Calmly hear me. 
Fix in thy soul my words, there deep entomb them. 
Strange men may here be seen : from all conceal 

them : 
Chief from Naritzin. 



scene, ii.] A TRAGEDY. 33 

Ivan . What thy hopes ? 

Pet. To fix thee 
King on thy father's throne. 

Ivan. Canst thou deceive me ? 

Pet. Thy hand shall wield the sceptre. 

Ivan, (with dignity.) 'Tis my birthright. 
My woes are all forgotten. Hear me, Heav'n ! 
Oh! let me, shielded by thy strength, extend 
A hallowed sceptre o'er a willing realm, 
And fix the column of a nation's pow'r, 
A nation's glory, on th' immoveable base 
Of private virtue ; be, in blessing, blest : 
So rightly execute the awful trust 
Of thy anointed : and (oh ! bliss of bliss !) 
To be the minister of grace and mercy ; 
To lighten the sad load of human woe; 
To rescue the oppressed ; to search out 
The world-abandon'd orphan, and the mourner 
Who sighs in secret, — and then say, " Come forth ! 
" View, in your king, a father !" This, Petrowna! 
Is to be god on earth. 

Pet. Oh ! King of kings ! 
Who in the soul of Ivan hast infus'd 
A portion of thy spirit, guard from wrong 
His sacred life ! — Ivan ! this night, 'tis fix'd • 

Ivan, (interrupting her) This night ! 

Pet. One hour past midnight ; thou, if sum- 
mo n'd, 
Arise — no question ask — but dauntless follow 
The voice that bids you forth : it summons you 
To sovereignty, or death. 



34 IVAN, [act. ii. 

Ivan. Thou counsell'st it ; 
I shall not turn aside, though death confront me. 
Life! freedom! sovereignty! [Transported. 

Pet. Restrain this transport. 
Ivan. Let me here vent it, or this heart will 
burst. 
To what can I impart it, save these chains ? 
Yet. Not long shalt thou endure them. Now, 

farewell ! 
Ivan. One hour past midnight! freedom — 
sov reignty ! [Embracing her. 

Soother— deliverer — guardian-saint! Farewell ! 

[Exit Petrowna. 

SCENE III. 

The Outward Fort. 

Michelovitz, Mirovitz, Feodor. Soldiers 
under arms to receive the Empress. 

Mich. Oh ! that the Neva, in its roaring waters, 
[Aside to Mirovitz. 
Would their proud bark ingulph — [Trumpets. 
Behold they come, 

Gay as in festal pomp. The sunbeams gild 
Their streamers, now bright waving in the wind, 
Now, as the light breeze falls, kissing in sport 
The many dimpled wave. 

Miro. (aside.) Insulting pomp, 
That flares portentous on these drear abodes, 
Like some strange meteor, that with transient glare 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 35 

Appals mankind. (Trumpets.) Yon trumpets 

ceaseless clamour 
Proclaims their entrance. (Looking out.) 

Ha! Rimuni leads her : 
Look how she leans on his proud arm, and smiles, 
Delighted with his flattery ! 

The Empress, Rimuni, Senators, Guards, 
Heralds, enter in State. 

Sol. (kneeling) Hail ! long live 
Elizabeth ! our gracious sovereign ! 

Emp. Rise ! 
I thank your love, and will reward your zeal. 

[Rimuni presenting Michelovitz. 

Rim. Michelovitz, now warden of yon fortress, 
More faithful than Naritzin, kneels before you. 
Deign to vouchsafe him audience. 

Mich. Gracious empress ! 

[Laying various keys at her feet. 
These at your feet I lay — This guards the gate 
That bars the outward fortress — This secures 
All that the inward moat encircles — This, 
The citadel — These close the prisoners' cells — 
This from the eye of man, and light of heaven, 
Hides Ivan. 

Rim. (aside) Would the boy were dead ! 

Emp. Arise! [To Michelovitz. 

Resume thy charge. 

E 



36 IVAN, [act. ii. 

Miro. (aside to Feodor) We must avoid sus- 
picion. 
With seeming rev rence we will kneel before her. 
[They kneel to the Empress. 

Emp. Your suit — your names. 

Rim. (advancing, interrupts them) Ungrateful 
to your ear : 
This, Mirovitz. That, Feodor his brother; 
Their ancestors of old were fam'd for power 
And loyalty : but their rebellious father 
Serv'd with Mazeppa, when that faithless chief 
Leagued with our foes against your godlike sire. 
The weight of his rebellion crush'd himself 
And all his race. 

3Iiro. We long in arms have serv'd you, 
And shed our youthful blood in tented fields 
Following your standard. 

Him. Vaunt not thus your duty. 

Emp. Merit by loyal deeds our further favour. 

Miro. We are your slaves. 

[Shouts heard at Naritzin's approach. 

Rim. (aside) The proud Naritzin comes. 

Naritzin enters, followed by Petrowna closely 
veiled. — Soldiers kneeling to the Empress. 

Sol. Look down with eye of favour on Naritzin! 
Narit. Justice ! 

[kneeling respectfully to the Empress. 
Rim. It shall not be delayed. 
Narit. Rimuni, 



scene in] A TRAGEDY. 37 

Not unto thee Naritzin deigns appeal. 
Justice my royal mistress ! 

Emp. Sir, it grieves me 
To see thee thus, here in the face of day 
A man accus'd, before the public eye 
Disgraced. I leant on thee, my Lord Naritzin ! 
As on the prop and column of my empire. 

Narit. If e'er my zeal, I may not add my ac- 
tions, 
Your favour won, now in the public presence 
Declare my crime. 

Rim. Before the senate answer : 
There hear thy condemnation. 

Pet. (aside to Naritzin) Condemnation ! 
Be firm — farewell. [Exit Petrowna. 

Narit. Hear, empress ! on his death bed 
Your sire, my much lov'd master, charg'd Na- 
ritzin, 
By many a wound, when side by side our swords 
Bore conquest on their edge, that long as life 
Yet lingered in these veins, I should uphold 
The glory of his empire, nor desert 
His royal offspring. Have I disobey 'd 
My sovereign's charge? let this distiuguish'd 

proof, 
Your gift (a diamond cross) make answer : with 

this high reward, 
(When on your brow I fix'd the diadem) 
You deign'd to honour me. Suspicion's breath 
Must not with venomous taint pollute the breast 
Grac'd by a monarch's favour. At your word, 
e 2 



38 IVAN, [act. h. 

This hand resignd my sword, a monarch's 

present : 
Take back your gift (the cross) and grant Na- 

ritzin's prayer : 
Vouchsafe me one request, the plain demand 
Of justice. 

Emp. Speak ! 

Narit. That you, my gracious mistress, 
Would deign your presence, when Naritzin pleads 
Before th' assembled senate. 

Rim. Proud Naritzin, 
Mine is the grateful task to free the sovereign 
From toils and cares of state : and I am charg'd 
To search out your misdeeds. 

Narit. I shall divulge 
Truths bitter to thy soul, thou man of guilt. 

Emp. Proclaim them — freely speak, thy sove- 
reign bids thee. 

Narit. The image of my lord and gracious 
master, 
The father of his country lives in you — 
I may not here proclaim them. In your presence, 
Before the senate, at their secret council, 
All shall be fully told. 

Emp. There, we will hear thee. 
On to the council. There, my Lord Naritzin, 
If guiltless, at my throne, before my presence 
Stand unappalled. Thy sovereign is thy judge. 

[Exeunt. 

END OF ACT II. 






scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 39 



ACT III. 

SCENE I. 

The Hall of Council. 

The Empress on her Throne, Rimuni, Senators, 
Guards, 6fC 

Rim. Hear me, ray royal mistress ! I entreat 
you. 
Add, I beseech you, lords ! your voice to mine; 
Let not Naritzin dare profane your presence ; 
Let not the traitor wound his sovereign's ear 
With insolent speech ! 

Emp. No more — my word is pledg'd : 
A monarch's word is sacred. 'Tis the grace 
Of sovereignty, its attribute, its blessing, 
That mercy's angel hand should still incline 
The scales by justice pois'd. 

Rim. Naritzin never 
Will sue for mercy — I entreat you, hear us : 
Recal your word. 

Emp. No, be his speech most harsh, 
'Twill be less poignant far than self-reproach. 
And, sir, his former services still live 
Warm in my memory. Be my will obey'd : 
Summon Naritzin. 



40 IVAN, [act in. 

Herald introduces Naritzin. 

You, my Lord Rimuni, 

Search out his guilt. Yet first, Naritzin, hear me. 

Deem not thy sovereign one, who, in the hour 

Of injur'd majesty, no more retains 

The sense and memory of deeds, long past, 

Of loyalty and love. Say " I have wrong'd you; 

" Your mercy I implore ; forgive th' offence :" — 

And thou shalt find that, in this injur'd bosom, 

Mercy doth temper justice. 

Narit. Gracious sov'reign ! 
For guilt which dreads its doom reserve thy mercy ; 
Justice alone I claim. My Lord Rimuni, 
Of what am I accused ? 

Rim. Thou hast projected 
Ivan's escape. 

Narit. My heart has inly bled 
For Ivan's sufferings. 

Rim. To the charge make answer. 

Narit. 'Tis false : yet, ere I here aloud pro- 
claim 
Truths that shall wound thy ear, and rive thy 

heart, 
The fame of my forefathers— the keen sense 
And jealous feelings of a soldier's honour, 
Now prompt my bold request : Deign, gracious 

empress ! 
Deign briefly state, before this secret senate, 
What once Naritzin's service. 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 41 

My guilt, if such disloyalty be guilt, 
I freely will disclose. 

Emp. (rising) No trivial service. 
When Ivan lay an infant in his cradle, 
And the whole reign was tumult, Lord Naritzin 
Dwelt on my father's fame, andcrown'dmybrow. 
Why hast thou Jix'd on me th' ungrateful office 
To hear thy guilt? Does then thy heart no more 
Glow at the name of my immortal sire, 
Nor honour, in the sovereign of thy choice, 
His living image ? 

Narit. Yes, most gracious empress ! 
Thou honour'd offspring of that glorious sovereign, 
Whose splendour, like the brightness of yon sun, 
lllumiu'd the wide world ; — thus I adore [Kneels. 
The memory of thy sire, and here in thee * 
Revere his hallow'd image. Not the less 
I must lay bare my heart, and plead for Ivan — 
That hapless prince! 

Rim. Prince! rebel! 

Nar. On thy brow 
That word, base traitor! thou, who hast misus'd 
Thy sov'reign's favour: else Naritzin's claims, 
And Ivan's piercing cry, had reach'd the throne. 
Oh ! miserable realm ! whose ruler yields 
Th' intrusted rights and duties of the sceptre 
To smooth-voic'd sycophants! — Rimuni! dread 
An injur'd nation's vengeauce. 

Rim. If my zeal [To the empress. 

E'er won thy favour, let my word confound 
The traitor. 



42 - IVAN, [act hi. 

Emp. (To Rim.) Silence, sir. — (To Narit.) 
You spake of Ivan : — ■ 
Proceed. 

Narit. Ere this base flatterer gain'd your favour, 
(Pardon the word) the prince, at his stern man- 
date, 
Was forc'd away, and dragg'd from fort to fort, 
I know not whither, nor by what rude hands, 
Till in yon cave Rimuni's sentence sepulchred 
The unoffending victim. 

Rim. Ha! 

Emp. (To Narit.) Proceed. 

Narit. When Ivan's wrongs rang loud on every 
tongue, 
And the deep woe, which fill'd each heart, in mine 
Was guiit and condemnation ; then, before me, 
Like a tormenting spirit, day and night, 
The image of the youth, by me dethron'd, 
Lone in the dungeon, vilely chain'd, in tortures, 
Rose ceaselessly; nor ever faiFd the sting 
Of conscience here to lodge its gather'd venom, 
Till the sharp goading of remorse compell'd me, 
In expiation of the offence, to claim 
This dreadful charge : and here to dedicate, 
To solitude and sad obscurity, 
The closing of a day whose dawn was glory — 
Yet wholly not unblest, so Heav'n vouchsaf'd me 
To shield the helpless from the oppressor's wrong, 
And haply soothe, if ought on earth might soothe, 
The sufferings of the wrong'd, the outrag'd Ivan. 

Rim. Wrong'd, outrag'd Ivan! 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 43 

Lords. Treason. 

Emp. (To the Lords.) Peace! be silent! 
I too have human feelings — human pity. 

Narit. Outrag'd! I spake the word — look at 
this charge. 

(Takes a paper from his bosom.) 
I would not, for thy sake, my gracious mistress, 
Before the public eye produce this deed. 

Emp. My Lord Naritzin ! this imparts my ho- 
nour. 
Proclaim aloud the charge. 

Rim. Ha ! (Aside.) 

Narit. " Guard this Ivan, 
" Close fetter'd — in a dungeon's cell immure him, 
" Far from the light of day, and every eye, 
" Save thine ; such food, as nature craves, be his. 
" His mind is brutaliz'd : by means that tame 
" The stubborn brute, subdue his savage mood." 

Emp. (To Rim.) These were thy words. 

Narit. (Holding it before her.) The sovereign's 
hand has sign'd it. 
Lo ! here, the name Elizabeth subscribed. 

Emp. My name! oh, Heaven! 
I will'd that Ivan should be close immur'd; — 
Not harshly tortur'd. 

Narit. (Kneels.) Hear me. 

Emp. Wherefore kneel ? 
Arise ! 

Narit. Vouchsafe me audience : if this hand 
First crown'd your brow ; if first I hail'd you em- 
press, 

F 



44 IVAN, [act in. 

Have pity upon Ivan. From this scroll 

Blot out the stain and character of blood : 

Not of that fiend, — of thy own heart take counsel : 

Then, in the splendour of your sire's renown, 

His sceptre wield : and, oh ! permit that Ivan, 

The wrong'd, the outrag'd, unoffending Ivan, 

May in some cloister's sanctuary pass 

Life's tranquil day. The peace, the public weal, 

The throne's stability, your sacred life, 

Claim justly such restraint ; but all beyond 

Ruthless oppression. 

Rim. Dar'st thou thus proclaim it 
Before thy sovereign's presence? 

Narit. Sir, I speak 
Under the terror of no earthly power: 
There reigns my Judge. (pointing up. 

Emp. My Lord Rimuni, silence. 

Narit. If haply to have sooth'd, by tend'rest 
cares, 
Him whom my pow'r dethron'd, be deem'd a crime, 
Be on my head that guilt ! The blest offence 
Will whisper peace to my departing soul. 
The cell, 'tis true, has Ivan's dwelling been ; 
Nor Other eye than mine, save one, on earth, 
Has ever glanc'd upon him. 

Rim. Ha ! another. (Aside) 

Mark'd you his word, dread sovereign? 

Emp. '(To Narit.) Who ? declare it. 

Narit. Petrowna ! from her lip, day after day* 
E'en in the tomb that sepulchre's the living, 
Ivan has learnt the words of wisdom: — learnt 



gcENE i.] A TRAGEDY. 45 

How best to conquer passion — and imbib'd 
The balm of heav'nly solace, which religion 
Mingles in misery's chalice. 

Rim. (Interrupting him, aside to the Empress.) 
The brute, Ivan, 
Of cultur'd reason ! 'tis most perilous. 
Not vain the warning: were this widely rumour d; 
Were it but whisper'd in the public ear, 
The realm would rise in arms. My gracious 

sovereign ! 
Bid hence the senate : I beseech you, hear me. 

Emp. My spirit is sore troubled. 

Rim. I intreat you 
Let me dismiss them : loyal though they seem, 
They must not share this council. 

Emp. Bid them hence. 

Rim. My lords ! awhile retire. 

{They and Naritzin depart.) 

Emp. What now thy couusel ? 

Rim. It was no idle rumour reach'd your throne 
Of Ivan's followers, and projected rescue : 
All is confirm'd, and — but you do not heed me. 

Emp. Be brief. 

Rim. Your throne — your sacred life's at hazard ; 
Be judge yourself. Before you, face to face, 
Bid forth the boy, and witness what his nature. 
His nature ! who can doubt it ? Aptly tutor'd — - 
All mildness — all submission ; but beware. 
Sudden, in full-grown strength, athirst for venge- 
ance, 



46 IVAN, [act hi. 

The lion from his secret lair will spring, 
And crush you in his fury. 

Emp. How prevent it ? 

Rim. Were the boy dead, then would your soul 
know peace. 
There are — I know the man — whose loyal zeal 
Would rid you of this fear. 

Emp. By murder ! never. 

Rim. You — or the boy. 

Emp. Oh ! heap not on my soul 
That added guilt. 

Rim. Think not Rinmiii's nature 
Inclines to deeds of blood : the sacred duty 
To guard your life compels me. 

Emp. Spare me ! spare me ! 

Rim. I wish not Ivan's death : but say, where 
breathes 
On earth — I do not know that living man — - 
On whom my soul, in fearless confidence, 
Can rest such perilous charge. 

Emp. Yes : one I know, 
In whom I firmly trust. 

Rim. Then I conjure you, 
Bind on his soul, by Heav'n attested vows, 
This solemn charge : — to stab without remorse 
The boy, if fraud or force attempt his rescue. 

Emp. Bid Lord Naritzin, in yon cloister d cell, 
Attend my presence. 

Rim. Lord Naritzin ! 

Emp, Speed ! 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 47 

Bid him there wait my presence; and I charge you, 
Yea, at the hazard of my deep displeasure, 
Let none approach the spot. My will is fix'd : 
Reply not ; be thy sovereign's word obey'd. 

(Exeunt. 
SCENE II. 

Ivans Prison. 

Cannon heard at a distance. 

Ivan. Again ! Methought it was the cannon's 

roar: 
I heard it ; 'tis the voice of their rejoicing. 
On the huge bolts and bars, that intercept 
My passage to mankind, a jarring sound 
Burst — like the crash of thunder, when vext 

earth 
Echoes the voice of heaven. So let them brawl 
To the wide world their gladnessin brief clamours, 
That die upon the winds : my exultation, 
To earth, to human ear inaudible, 
Shall, at the throne of Heaven, be heard, and call 
Th' avenger to attest it. How conceal it ? 
Light, freedom, empire ! 'twas Petrowna spake it. 
Flame like the sun, dull lamp! — ye flints! be 

robed 
With flowers of vernal breath ;— and thou, drear 

cave ! 
That ne'er hast heard sounds other than despair ; 
Thou too, re-echoing the strange voice of joy, 
Shalt swell mv exultation. 



48 IVAN, [act. in. 

Naritzin enters. 

Narit. Ivan — 

Ivan. Thou! Here — 

Narit. Yes, ruthless tho' their natures, 
None, so entreated, could deny my pray'r 
To bid thee here farewell. I ne'er again 
Shall witness thy dire anguish : ne'er again 
Share and assuage thy woe. 

Ivan. Come to my arms — 
Ere thou didst guard me, they who rack'd my 

limbs 
Made mockery of my groans — turn not away : 
Thou hast been kind to Ivan. 

Nar. Kind ! the rous'd viper's poisonous fang 
less cruel : — 
Oh had it pleased high Heavn 
Or ere thy birth in mercy to have swept me 
From off the living realm, thy hand had wielded 
The sceptre of thy sires, and I had lain 
In peace within my grave ! 

Ivan, (embracing him) Thus I forgive thee. 
The tears that bathe thy cheek have cleans'd thy 
crime. (to himself.) 

Oh ! I could soothe at once his soul to peace — 
I may not now reveal it. 

Nar. What? 

Ivan. Defy them — 
Yes, they will banish thee, because thy heart 
Shudders to act their cruelties : — defy them — 
How glorious thy return ! I will exalt 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 49 

Petrowna's consort next myself in pow'r. 
How ! if it fail ? well — well — no tear again ; 
Tears, such as trickle when an infant weeps, 
Shall tell of Ivan's woe. The torturing fiends 
Misus'd the helpless infant, but the man 
None ever shall dishonour. Oh Naritzin ! 
I have subdued the spirit that within me 
Burnt with unquenchable fire: and why subdued ? 
Thy kindness, thy humanity o'erpower'd me. 
I am not what I w r as — misuse me now ! 
Let them beware. At the oppressor's sight 
My heart would kindle into flame, and Ivan 
Avenge himself or perish. (footsteps heard.) 

Nctr. What that sound ? 

(Rimuni behind the Scenes.) Naritzin ! 

Ivan. Whose that voice ? 

Nar. Tis he ! Rimuni. 

Rimuni enters. 

Ivan. That serpent! 

ISarit. (endeavouring to prevent "Rimuni s en 
trance.) Enter not. 

Rim. I will behold him. 

Ivan. Heav'n ! vengeance ! vengeance ! 

(to himself.) 

Rim. (considering Ivan) Stern his threatening 
brow. — 
Naritzin — haste, the empress waits thy coming. 

Ivan, (with affected calmness to Rimuni) Stay- 
yet awhile — the scene will glad thy soul — 



50 IVAN, [act hi. 

Survey this haunt congenial to thy nature. 
Stay roan (Stopping him) — the serpent, that in 

tipper air 
Basks sweltering in the blaze of day, slinks back 
To lurk in caves obscure that feed his venom — 
Nay, gaze around. — 

Narit. Peace, Ivan ! 

Rim. (aside) Taunting boy : 
Yes, I will know thy nature, and subdue it. 

Ivan, (calmly takes the lamp, and directs the 
light to several places) Look on these 
damps — this pestilential dew, 
That, drop by drop, bursts on themoldering stone 
That wears away beneath it : — 'tis my breath 
Has fed it — look upon these rugged flints — 

Nay, closely mark them.- See you not the trace 

Worn by the ceaseless tread of my lone feet 
Year after year ? They are th' eternal marks, 
That on th' inanimate rock to after times 
Shall grave thy cruelty. Now, if thou canst, 
Look on the marks that character the living. 

Rim. (aside) Yes, he shall die. 

Ivan, (holding up the lamp to his own counte- 
nance) Look on these orbs of vision, tem- 
per'd down 
To the dull glimmer of this feeble lamp : 
These, at my birth, the great Creator gifted 
With power and capability, at once 
With one swift glance to sweep the vault of 

heaven, 
Earth rob'd in beauty, and the vast expanse 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 51 

Of waves that heave huge ocean's amplitude. 
Look on this cheek, despair's sharp cankerworm 
Has robb'd it of its roseate bloom, and cast 
On youth the wan and spectry hue of age: 
These limbs too, scarce have strength to bear 

me up ; 
But, feeble as they are, at sight of thee, 
I feel in each brac'd sinew strength and power 
To rend thee into atoms. [violently seizes him. 
Rim. (draicing a dagger) Perish first. 
Narit. No traitor ! (staying him.) 
Rim. Help, Ho! guards, help ! rescue ! rescue ! 
(Ivan runs, and bars the door, and snatches 
the dagger.) 
Ivan. The iron door is barr'd — now! ha! ha! 

ha! 
Rim. Oh mercy ! 

Narit. Ivan ! hold : or instant death 
In torturing flames consumes us. 

Ivan, (drops the dagger) Thou in torture 
For Ivan's deed? away thou fiend ! delay not — 
The mercy, thou hast found, to others yield: 
Begone — avoid my sight, 
Hence ! tell the usurper in this cell of horror 
I o'er thee stood, the dagger in my grasp 
Nor struck the blow — then, for thou canst, com- 
mand her 
To free — no, fix on Russia's throne crown'd Ivan. 
[Exeunt Narit. and Rim. 

END OF ACT III. 
G 



52 IVAN, [act iv. 

ACT IV. 

SCENE I. 

The Cloisters. 

Empress and Naritzin. 

Emp. My Lord Naritzin ! on thy faith I rest : 
I shall pour forth, as truth and nature urge, 
My secret soul before thee — oh ! I would 
That I had never wielded in this hand 
The sceptre reft from Ivan ! since that hour, 
However outwardly I bear my pomp, 
And arm my brow with confidence, within 
Fear and suspicion, that nor day nor night 
Have rest, possess me. 

ISarit. Whom have you to fear ? 

Emp. My successor — I gave the dire example. 
Yet more, I dread thy charge, the prisoner, Ivan ; 
But yesterday I did despise the boy, 
I rank'd him with the very herd that crop 
The grassy clod — thy voice, the senate heard it, 
Profusely blazoned forth his praise — the realm 
Once hail'd him king, and I before him bow'd 
First of his titled slaves. 

Narit. You are his sovereign ! 
And on your word his weal or woe depends. 
Give him to breathe the air that breathes on all, 
And gaze upon the blessed light of heaven : 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 53 

Mistake me not, it is not my request 

That you should rashly free him to the gaze 

And shout of the capricious people — no ! — 

Let him have commerce with religious men, 

Where he may safely harbour, bind his soul 

By rigid vows all dedicate to heaven, 

And to the general voice that shouts thy name, 

Ivan will add his blessing. 

Emp. No, I dare not, 
Young as he is, and beautiful, and mild ; 
Compassion for his fate would gather strength 
That must o'erturn my throne. I dare not free 

him, 
Yet — I would fain that Ivan breath 'd in peace : 
Thou canst secure it. Is it thy desire 
To lighten Ivan's misery ? 

Narit. By my own. 

Emp. Naritzin, re-assume the charge of Ivan ; 
Assuage his misery : where'er thou art 
Throughout the day, long as thou hold'st the rule 
Of this dread fort, be at thy side the youth, 
E'en as a son most lov'd : yet still, at night fall, 
Closely immure him in th' imprisoning cell. 
This be his doom : so thou yon heaven attest 
That thy firm hand, shall in his bosom plunge 
This weapon, (presenting a dagger) if or fraud or 

force again 
Attempt his rescue. 

Narit. I refuse the charge. 

Emp. This sacred dagger at Pultowa sav'd 
G 2 



64 IVAN, [act iv. 

My sire, thy lord, from death : this now shall 

save 
His daughter, by thy patriot zeal enthron'd. 
Narit. Recal thy pardon, reassume thy ho- 
nours ; 
Forget the vow, that never blood should stain 
Thy sceptre; be Naritzin's bold disloyalty 
By death aveng'd — I will not touch that dagger. 
Emp. Reflect, a thousand arms, a thousand 
daggers, 
Will vindicate thy sovereign : force me not 
On deeds of blood : fain would my soul avoid 

them. 
Thy sovereign sues — commands thee — take it — 

Ivan 
Lives but to bless Naritzin: thy refusal 
Is Ivan's instant death. 

Narit. Not on my head 
Be innocent blood. 

Emp. (to a guard without) Bid Lord Rimuni 

hither. 
Narit. A moment's pause ; — I know his ruth- 
less nature. 
Emp. Bid Lord Rimuni hither — speed. 
Narit. Yet stay: 
Rimuni, or Naritzin — now shall perish. 
Pledge but your word, and 1 accept the charge. 
Emp. What thy intent ? 
'Narit. Your fame — a nation's weal. 
Swear, ere another sun shall light the world, 
For ever from th' indignant realm to banish 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 55 

Rimuni — Are you silent ? Plunge the dagger, 
Murd'ress, in Ivan's heart : so to your grave 
Go down, with charge of blood upon your brow: 
So, in your sin, at Heaven's dread call, arise 
Before the King of kings. 
Emp. Ere yonder sun 
Resumes his course, Rimuni flies the realm. 
Take thou this weapon. (He takes it. 

NariY. Ivan shall not reign. 
Emp. Receive thy sov'reign's thanks — o'er po- 
pulous Ingria 
Thy government extends. 
^Sarit. I seek no honours. 

[Drawing the dagger. 
As yet thou art unstain'd with innocent blood. 
Let me depart. 

Emp. Yet hear me — stay — thy sovereign, 
Ere sun-set quits the isle : but, ere I leave 
For ever this abode of woe and horror, 
My lord, I must hold conference with Ivan. 
'Narit Not, I implore you, ere youhave made 
known 
Your purpose to Petrowna. 
Emp. Why? 
Nar. Her voice 
Tempers at will his spirit ; her fix'd glance 
Holds magic influence o'er him. 

Emp. Say, thy sovereign 
Commands her to her presence. 

ISarit. I beseech you, 
With tenderness, with pity, question Ivan— 



56 IVAN, [act iv. 

And, I implore yon, spare Petrowna's ear 
This charge of murder : hide from her the vow 
That past my lips. From Ivan's doom'd assassia 
Her eye would tarn abhorrent. 

Emp. Trust my caution. 
Haste, bid her hither. [Exit Naritzm. 

Ha ! her voice ! her glance ! 
Hold magic influence o'er him ! 'Tis most pal- 
pable : 
Tutored by her — and who, but this Petrowna, 
Has Ivan's misery sooth'd ? — his weal, his woe, 
Not mine, her spirit sways. My throne, my life, 
Rests on this woman : 'tis most hazardous. 
The boy now ripens into man, with manhood, 
Ambition, vengeance, his acknowledged claim 
To rule, will rouse unconquerable thoughts. 
All must be plainly told : the husband's vow 
Must yoke the wife : so shall Petrowna quench 
Each latent spark that glows in Ivan's bosom* 
And I in peace repose. 

Petrowna enters. 

Pet. My Lord Naritzin 
Bade me attend your presence. 

Emp. On his faith 
My favour rests. 

Pet. Methought unwonted gloom 
Darken'd his cheek, as swift he hurried pn, 
To hide in loneliness thoughts ill at ease. 

Emp. I know the cause : and it doth much im- 
port thee 



scene i] A TRAGEDY. 57 

To feel its force: his sov'reign to his pray'r 
Bow'd gracious, when thy lord at once to lighten 
The doom of Ivan, and to drive Rimuni 
For ever from this realm' ■ 

Pet. (interrupting her) Belov'd Naritzin ! 
Heaven on thyhead his choicest treasures shower. 

Emp. Vow'd to prevent, by death, the pri- 
soners flight, 
If fraud or force should ere attempt his rescue— ■ 
You mark my words. 

Pet. Too plainly . — Murder Ivan ! 

Emp. His vow is ratified in Heaven. 

Pet. Say rather, 
Where daemons howl in torture. 

Emp. Hear, Petrowna ! 
Thy sov'reign speaks. 

Pet. (to herself) Naritzin murder Ivan ! 
It shall not be ! 

Emp. Fain would I see the youth ! 
Hold converse with him, and myself observe 
If rumour basely has degraded him 
To the low level of a senseless brute ; 
Or, as Naritzin vaunted it, if Ivan 
Be grac'd with high endowments. 

Pet. (aside) Oh, my soul ! 
'Tis as I fear'd — her eye shall not glance on him : 
If fear can curb, or pity melt the heart, 
Thou shalt not look on Ivan ! 

Emp. Not look on him ! 

Pet. Where? on what spot of earth wouldst 
thou confront him ? 



58 IVAN, [act iv. 

JEhnp. I understand thee not — explain thy 
meaning. 

Pet. Where meet him ? — in the cell that drinks 
his groan ? 

Emp. No, rather in the sepulchre of death. 

Pet. Here ! in the light of day, beneath heaven's 
beam, 
Canst thou, with still unswerving eye, sustain 
The lightening of his eye, when fixt on thine ? 
Do not again behold him ! 

Emp. Here conduct him. 

Pet. Oh, never, never more, thy tear will fall 
As once upon his cheek. 

Emp, Oh! 

Pet. Thou hast reign'd 
Triumphant ; revelry, and joy, and feast, 
Shouts of applause, and all that earth most envies, 
Have made thy throne their dwelling : Think on 

Ivan. 
Do your tears fall ? — Turn not away : they fall 
Accepted offerings to offended Heaven : 
And every tear, mingled with penitence, 
Will wash and cleanse from off thy secret soul 
A spot of deep pollution. — Nature form'd thee 
Kind, gentle, generous. 

Emp. Presumptuous woman ! 
What prompts thee, rashly daring to address 
Thy sov'reign thus ? 

Pet. This. {Her heart) I have wept at mid- 
night 
O'er Ivan's flinty couch, and quak'd to hear, 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 59 

When all was still, his shriek of agony. 
'Tis that makes me bold, and bids my voice 
Thus warn you - -hold not conference with Ivan. 
At sight of thee, who from his brow hast reft 
The crown his fathers wore, whose stern command 
Has rob'd his day of light — whose ruthless mi- 
nisters 
Have rack'd his tender limbs — will not the fiend 
Rouse him to madd'ning horror? thou hast heard it: 
If then, instructed thus in Ivan's nature, 
Thy will is fixed to commune lonely with him., 
I must not be far distant. 
Emp. I will see him — 
Lead Ivan to yon cloisters — speed — reply not. 

[Exeunt. 

SCENE II. 

The Cave of the Conspirators. 
Mirovitz — Feodor — Conspirators. 

1st Cons, (to MirovitzJ Detain us not; most 
dangerous this delay. 
Now fix the hour ; give each his separate charge. 
But if you doubt our faith 

Miro. I doubt you not. 

1st Cons. On — to the altar lead us: 
There pledge our souls to Ivan's cause; therebind us 
To slay who e'er withstands his sov'reign's rescue. 

Miro. Hear then my last resolve. 
You know the tyrannous custom of this fort : 

H 



60 IVAN, [act iv. 

Month after month fresh troops the isle surround, 
And, night by night, new guards keep watch and 

ward 
Round Ivan's cell. This night that charge is ours. 
Now, one by one, pledge your brave hands with 

mine. 
I, when the hour strikes twelve relieve the watch. 

(Selecting tivo in turn. 
You, guard the outward draw-bridge ; you, the 

gates 
Of the first tower ; the inner draw-bridge your's ; 
Your charge, the inner fort ; you guard the vaults 
That wind through ways obscure to Ivan's cell ; 
You nigh his cell take station ; thine, my brother, 
The eastern turret ; o'er its crested brow . . . 
(Be watchful :) If all favour our design, 
At stroke of one, a lighted beacon raise : 
Wave it distinctly thrice ; at the third signal 
We rush to Ivan's cave. The sail now waits 
My summons, o'er Ladoga's Lake to waft us 
To liberty, to wealth, to fame, to honour. 
-. . [Exeunt. 

SCENE III. 

The Cloisters. 

Empress. 

Emp. How is it with me? what strange fear 
appals ? 
Where 'er I turn, some victim of oppression 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 61 

Starts up, methinks, before me, and aloud 
Cries vengeance— ere yon westering sun descends 
I will depart : I would not here be found 
When nature seeks repose — hark ! hark a foot- 
step ! 
No ; 'twas my fear — why did I wish to see 
The injured Ivan? what is my intent? 
That I myself should witness what his nature ? 
How judge ? when horror fills my inmost soul ? 

\a footstep heard 
I hear them : 'tis a footstep : it draws near — 
Oh ! spirit of my father ! — be thou present! 
Sustain thy drooping child ! 

Pet. (behind the scenes.) Ivan ! 

Emp. I heard her: 
It was Petrowna's voice, how mildly sweet ! 
So a fond mother welcomes in her child. 

Pet. (without) Lean on me- do not linger — 
gaze no more 
On yon bright orb. [Ivan enters, looking back, 
leaning on Petrowna. 

Ivan. Was that the blessed sun 
That lights the spacious world ? yon orb of fire? 
Say, can you stilly gaze on it, Petrowna, 
With unaverted eye ? mine it o'erpowers, — 
All, all is darkling round me ! oh support me! 

Petr. Lean closer on me. 

Ivan, (looking back again) Though it pains my 
sight, 
Let me again behold it ! h 2 



62 IVAN, [act iv. 

Pet. Turn not, Ivan ! 
The empress is before you. 

Emp. (to herself.) Hapless youth ! 
How hast thou suffered ! 

Ivan. Oh that piercing air ! 
You said it would be pleasant to my sense ; 
But it comes shivering o'er me, keenly chill ; 
Yet is its breath most sweet ; aid me, Petrowna ! 
My limbs sink under me. I pray thee hide me 
In the dark dungeon. Let me not behold her. 

Pet. Remember thou thy promise — kneel, im- 
plore 
Her mercy. 

Ivan. Tis thy will — lead — lead me to her. 
Still on my sight the dazzling sun beams flash. 
Where is the empress? 

Emp. {aside as Ivan slowly advances?) Fair in- 
deed his form ! 
Of port commanding! — Ivan ! 

Ivan. Whose that voice? 
'Tis harsh unto mine ear. Speak, speak, Pe- 
trowna. 

Pet. The empress graciously her hand extends 
In sign of kindness. I entreat you, Ivan, 
Implore her pity. 

Ivan. I will kneel before her : {kneels 

Not for myself 1 sue thee, hear my prayer! 

Emp. I am not of harsh mood. Witness these 
tears ! 

Pet. Must I retire ? \lo the Empress. 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 63 

Emp. Leave me not alone with Ivan ! 
Yet his no brutal nature. 

Ivan. Scorn me not ! 

Emp. I cannot longer gaze upon his face : 
Lead him away. 

Ivan. No, not till thou hast heard me. 

Emp. What would'st thou? 

Ivan. And hast thou the heart to ask it? 

Emp. Take, take him hence. \ 

Ivan. No, to thy knees I cling : 
None but thyself can give my bosom peace. 
I do entreat thee, as thou lov'st the heavens 
That on thy brow have showered felicity, 
Vouchsafe reply! live they? my wretched pa- 
rents ? 

Emp. They live ! 

Ivan. And is their life — 

Pet. (interrupting him). Oh ! ask no more ! 

Ivan. Like Ivan's ? how ! you answer not ! 
have mercy ! 
Have mercy. 'Tis for me alone they suffer. 
Oh free them — wear my crown, and leave me here, 
To Heaven and to Petrowna. 

Pet. Calm, assuage 
The anguish of his spirit ! 

Emp. (to herself.) Oh that the voice of truth 
had reach'd my ear, 
That I had known his gentle nature ! Ivan 
Hast thou no other prayer? none for thyself? 
Speak, dread me not. 

Ivan. What should I dread ? Behold me. 



64 IVAN, [act iv. 

What more have I to suffer ? Dark and deep 
My dwelling, far from human sight and sound, 
And the sepulchral roof that closes o'er me, 
The bound that parts the living from the dead. 

Emp. It wounds my soul. [aside. 

Ivan. The elements alone 
In their illimitable sweep had power 
To interrupt my solitude : and oft, 
From unendurable loneliness aroused, 
I have giv'n answer to the voice of winds 
That heav'd the roaring waves ; and I have leapt 
In transport from my flinty couch ; to welcome 
The thunder as it burst upon my roof, 
And beckon'd to the lightning, as it flash'd 
And sparkled on these fetters, while in vain 
I proffer'd where the volley fiercely blaz'd, 
My forehead to its death stroke. 

Emp. Tis too horrible ! 

Pet. No, not the roar of winds, the thunder's 
crash, 
The inward whisper of a guilty spirit 
Alone is insupportable. 

Ivan. Yet hear me ! 
Not for myself I sue thee, 'tis for them 
My bosom bleeds, for them— my wretched parents, 
Imprison'd for my crime ; the crime, that Ivan 
Was born to rule. Waste not in vain lament, 
Waste not on me unfruitful tears. I know 
My hapless doom, and am prepar'd to suffer. 
But pity those who mourn the living Ivan, 
And call the day accurst, which gave to light 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 65 

Me, their first-born. Pause you? your silence 

kills. 
Scorn not these tears ! 

Pet. I dread what may ensue — 
You heeded not his prayer — rage knits his brow. 

Ivan. Thou, called a God on earth, hast thou 
no mercy ? 

Pet. His agitated bosom labours high 
With violence unwonted — ■ [to the Empress. 

I exhort you — 
Avoid his sight. 

Emp. The voice of majesty 
Shall curb his rage Ivan ! 

Pet. Not thus address him ! 
Not with loud voice of stern command ! Hear 

Ivan ! 
Withdraw — [to the Empress. 

His cheek is fire — his eye darts flame. 

Emp. (on Ivan's approach.) Ivan — 
'Tis vain ; he heeds me not. — Petrowna, here, 
Stand thou between us, 'tis thy sovereign calls 
On thee for aid. 

Pet. Stay, Ivan. 

Ivan (approaching the Empress.) Thou, the 
usurper ! 
Is this the crowned brow ? let me behold it : 
I will confront its terrors. Who art thou 
Mortal! that mock'st omnipotence? Who thou 
That in the hollow of thy right hand grasp'st 
Yon orb of light, and with thy left hast yok'd 
The freedom of the winds : and cri"st aloud, 



66 IVAN, [act iv, 

" Sun, shine not thou on that devoted head ! 
" Nor let thy pure breath, unimprison'd air ! 
" Make cool those fever'd temples!" Let me 

trace 
The signature and majesty of Heaven 
Stampt on thy front. 

Emp. (sinking on her seat.) Help — I am faint — 

support me. 
Pet. Ivan ! — He hears me not. I ne'er have 

witness'd 
Such violence and rage. He knows me not — 
J Tis past control. 

[Ivan's passion gradually rising to frenzy. 
Ivan. Turn not away ! Behold me ! 
What trace I on that brow ? woe — terror — shame ! 
Where now thy power, thy sov'reignty o'er Ivan ? 
Usurper! — from thy temples lift the crown, 
And fix it on my brow— and at my feet 
Seek pardon. Give the sceptre to my wielding : 
Mark its just use. Haste ! — ope the prison 

gates — 
Lo ! how they issue forth, faint, pale, afraid 
To look upon the light ! Lo ! how they creep 
Bow'd down on the strange earth, like beings 

unused 
To gaze on heaven with man's erected front ! 

[to the Empress. 
Why dost thou weep, is it foi; me ? — for Ivan ? 
I took thee for the Empress. Ha! who art 

thou— ? 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 67 

Thou, — thou my mother ! Oh I knew thee 

not. 
They long have sever'd us. Come to my arms : 
O shield me from that torturer — Shield thy child. 
Pet. Ivan ! it is Petrowna ! 
Ivan, (struggling with Petrowna.) Off barba- 
rian ! 
They ne'er shall part us more ! Come, you shall 
hear [embracing the Empress. 

Strange tales of Ivan — to my prison stole 
A monk, a wily man, long years of suffering 
Have since toil'd by, and the swoll'n wave, I saw 

it, 
Foam'd o'er him — mark how he aliur'd my boy- 
hood : 
He told me I should wander in green fields, 
And wreath fresh flowers and garlands, where 

gay birds 
Sing in their bowers, and gurgling streamlets wind 
Thro' sunshine glades their many dimpled rills : 
But 'twas to plunge me deeper — deeper down 
In midnight darkness, (to Petrowxa.) 
Hence, thou fiend away ! 
Why, why pursue me to this sunless cave? 
Is this too thy doom'd haunt ? 

Emp. (to PetrownaJ Loose not thy hold. 
Ivan, (to the Empress.) Weep not dear mother ! 
by thy tears I know thee : 
Haply thou know'st not Ivan ; nor this flesh 
So strangely mangled : 'twas not thus, when first 
i 



68 IVAN, [act iv. 

Thy tear of joy gusli'd on the new-born babe. 
But never shall the torturers vex us more. 
Hush ! hush ! no ear must hear it, 'twas Petrowna, 
Not that false monk that spoke of freedom — em- 
pire ! 
Hush ! hush ! 

Emp. Ha! 

Petro. Heed not ! these are words of frenzy ! 

Emp. {to Petrowna.) Forget not the dread 
oath ! 

Ivan, (to the Empress.) Nay, be at rest, 
Cloud not thy brow, the usurper shall implore 
Forgiveness, and kneel prostrate at our footstool. 
[struggling with Petrowna. 
Off! off! fell fiend ! 

Emp. Let him not 'scape thy arms ! 

Ivan. I can no more resist — strike not again ! 

Pet. Ivan ! he falls exhausted prone on earth. 

[Ivan falls. 

Ivan. Once, twice, they murder me in prison. 
Help! 
Strike at th' anointed brow — beware, fell fiend ! 
The eye of Heaven is on you. 

Pet. Ivan ! Ivan ! 
It is Petrowna clasps thee in her arms. 
My voice has reach'd him. 

Ivan, (recovering.) Is it thou, Petrowna? 
A fearful vision had disturb 'd my sense. 

Emp. Hide him from me for ever. From this 
isle 



scene i] A TRAGEDY. 89 

I haste ! farewell ! think on Naritzin's oath. 

[exit Empress. 
Ivan. My limbs sink under me — support me. 
Pet. Ivan 
Lean on me: in these arms once more find 
peace. 

END OF ACT IV. 



ACT V, 

SCENE I. 

The North Ramparts. 

Mirovitz and Feodor. 

Feo. The midnight hour is past — Say Miro- 
vitz, 
Are all resolv'd ? 

Miro. At one we rescue Ivan ; 
Success must crown th' attempt. 

Feo. But how deceive 
Naritzin's search ? — his unremitting zeal 
Visits throughout the fort, from cell to cell, 
The nightly watch ! 



70 IVAN, [act v 

Miro. His unremitting zeal ! 
How fruitless ! — all, e'en to suspicion's eye 
Shall seem secure 

Feo. But does Petrowna yield 
Unforced assent, now that her lord resumes 
Th'entrusted charge? 

Miro. Petrowna is deceived : 
And deems forsooth the glorious enterprise 
At her command, abandoned. Ere I fix'd 
The guard, my feign'd compliance stilled her fear. 
Her fear! what recks it ? Unrelenting vengeance, 
Kind fortune, and the fav'ring hour invite — 
These now neglected, say what hope, hereafter? 
All now is fixed, and years on years may pass 
Ere men, so leagued, here meet — it must succeed ; 
At the high altar I have bound their souls 
To free their King. 

Rimuni enters. 

Ha ! at this hour ! what spy 
Here basely lurks? — thy name — thy purpose — 
speak ! 

Rim. Rimuni ! — vengeance ' 

Miro. 'Tis confirm'd — I know it, 
That thou art like myself, a man disgrac'd ; — ■ 
The sunshine, whose meridian blaze illum'd thee, 
Is suddenly eclipsed. 

Rim. For ever set. 
Yet not the less, e'en in the senate lurk, 
Men to my will devote ; brave men, who scorn 



scene i] A TRAGEDY. 71 

The weak usurper : lords of might and power 
To 'stablish on the empire of his sires 
The sovereign of thy choice. 

Miro. My choice? whom? 

Rim. Ivan! 
Elizabeth is hateful to thy soul ; 
Take my pledg'd hand : perish Elizabeth ! 
Command this weapon, — I have basely wrong'd 

thee; 
Yet if the galling yoke of dire oppression, 
The bond of common suffring, can unite 
Brave men who brook not wrong, lo ! one, whose 

hand. 
Fears not to execute the boldest deed 
Thy spirit dares conceive. 

Miro. The proof now waits thee : 
Thou at my side attend : — be bold — be faithful — 
If faithless, dread my vengeance. — Feodor, 
On to the eastern tower. 

Feo. I shall not fail. 
Farewell. 

[Exit Feodor. 

Miro. Speed hour of vengeance !— if we fail, 
Better to perish boldly, than contemn'd 
Live unavenged. Success or death awaits us. 

SCENE II. 
Petrowna's Apartment. 

Petro. Hark ! 'tis the hour's loud chime, 
'twixt twelve and one. 



72 IVAN, [act v. 

Tis past his wonted hour, why stays Naritzin? 

Some unforeseen event — —perchance some 

tumult ? 

Merciful heaven, Woliskoff ? 



Woliskoff enters. 

Wolis. Did I hear thee ? 

Petro. Say, — is thy Lord returned ? 

Wolis. No, gracious lady; 
Since Mirovitz departed, none, — no foot 
Has past the gate. 

Petro. Let Galvez now go forth 
And bid him speed, I charge you ; bid him speed 
And bring swift tidings of thy Lord's approach. 

[Exit Woliskoff. 

'Tis horrible premeditated murder ! 

Naritzin shuns my presence, and avoids 
Bleak tho' the storm, and late th' ungenial hour 
This sheltering roof. — His painful charge, as wont, 
Urg'd him to visit in their cells ere midnight, 
The entrusted prisoners. — Has he looked on Ivan ? 
And told the victim that Petrowna's husband 
Is doom'd to shed his blood ? 
And couldst thou Ivan, could thy artless nature. 
E'en tho' I strictly charg'd thee, from Naritzin 
Conceal the truth ? Galvez ! 

Galvez enters. 
Most welcome Galvez. 
Where is thy lord ? 



scene i.] A TRAGEDY. 73 

Galv. But now we crossed the drawbridge — 
I saw him slowly passing towards the castle. 

Pet. How ! underneath this roof, and still 
avoid me ! 
Say, was all peace and quiet on his round ? 
No sight ; no sound unwonted ? 

Galv. All methought 
Seemed tranquil — but — [a footstep is heard. 

Pet. I hear his footsteps — hence — 

[Exit Galvez. 
How solemn his approach. 
[Naritzin enters, lays down his sword and cloak. 

Narit. Thou here ! oh Heaven ! 

Pet. Late is the hour of thy return, and bleak 
The gales of night sweep round the battlements 
That crest the fort. You are o'ertir'd I fear ; 
The chill breeze and the night storms ceaseless fury 
Have sorely harass'd me. 

Narit. I reck'd them not ; 
'Tis not the outward storm — 'tis here — 'tis here ! 

Pet. Come to thy rest. 

Narit. Thou too — at this late hour. 
Why art thou absent from thy peaceful chamber? 
I did not look to find thee waking, love, 
Or I had quicklier urged my homeward step — 
I pray thee to thy chamber. 

Pet. But thou seem'st 
By misery opprest — I dread to ask thee: 
Yet, I beseech you — in thy nightly round — 

Nar. Wherefore this silence? — 

Pet. Say, was all secure? 

Narit. All seemed secure. 



74 IVAN, [act. v. 

Pet. Seem'd ! (aside) I dread Mirovitz ! 
Saw you, or heard you ought unwonted ? Speak! 

Neurit. Nought that concerns thy care. 

Pet. But was there ought? 

Narit. As I drew near the fort that guards the 
prisoners, 
M ethought I heard the whisper of a voice 
In utterance like Rimuni's : but in Tain 
I search'd each spot, 'twas idle fancy, and-— — 

Pet. Is there yet more? 

Narit. When last I went my round, 
A centinel who answered to my challenge, 
With whisper'd words, and looks of no light 

meaning, 
Pray'd me to wait him here. 

Pet. (to herself) That centinel 
And utterance like Rimuni's ! Heaven forefend I 
Yet (to him) for it closely presses on my soul, 
Tell me, Naritzin, when your search explor'd 
The prisoners dungeons, did you look on Ivan? 
Fain would I know r after this day of trouble, 
If calm his sleep. 

Narit. I left his cell nnsearch'd : 
I could not interrupt poor Ivan's slumber. 
The innocent may sleep. I fear'd to wake him. 

Pet. You have not seen him then? 

Narit. Not now. 

Pet. (with unguarded transport) Thank heaven ! 
Then Ivan knows it not. 

Narit. Not know it — what ? 
What words have 'scap'cl thy lips? unfold their 
meaning. 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 75 

Pet. How, said I ought? oh, heed it not! the 
tongue 
At times will murmur words devoid of sense. 
Narit. (aside) Tis as I fear'd — nay, be at 
peace, Petrowna, 
Vex not thy soul with fruitless woe. Enough 
The troubles of this day of bitterness. 
Yet— but it little recks : 'tis a light question, 
One scarce of moment, when you saw the Em- 
press .... 
Pet . Waste not a thought on her ; recall her 

not. 
Na?-it. I pray you mark my words, Petrowna, 

say 

Give me I pray strict answer, did the Em- 
press ■ 

Pet. (confused) The Empress ! 

Narit. Why thus troubled ? did her speech 

Disclose 

Pet. Oh, peace ! spare, spare me, yet awhile, 
My spirit is within me bow'd and broken. 
My husband ! — we will talk of this hereafter. 
Oh! let us taste the blessings of repose, 
And to kind angels reconcile our thoughts, 
Ere deeper woe o'erpower us ; do not linger : 
Sleep will not on my eyelids shed its balm 
While thou art absent. [Exit Petrowna, 

Narit. Never on my lid 
Shall slumber shed the blessing of repose. 
'Tis as I fear'd : the Empress has betray'd 
The fatal secret. Underneath the veil 



76 IVAN, [act v. 

Of tempting words, e'en in Petrowna's smile 
I noted the sharp pang that rack'd her soul. 
I am her bane and horror: thro' the day, 
Her eye will wither mine with frozen look, 
And in her dreams her night-shriek will denounce 
Vengeance on Ivan's murderer — I am doom'd 
With this infernal gift (the dagger) to pierce his 

heart. 
So guilt engenders guilt, till, ripe for vengeance, 
On the offender's brow eternal justice 
Heaps dreadful retribution. 

Petrowna enters. 

Pet. How ! Naritzin — 
Why thus delay ? has ought occurd ? Oh say : 
You seem disturb'd — 

Nar. I pray thee to thy chamber — 
Fear nothing — be at peace — I pray depart— 
I must not be gain-sai'd — 

[Leads her out, and returns. 

Galvez enters hastily. 

Galv. My Lord, a soldier 
Seeks instant entrance. [Galvez goes. 

Nar. Hither quickly lead him — 
My soul misgives me. 

[Galvez enters ivith Or tosh. 
Wherefore here — be brief — 
Why, at this hour, here seek me ? 

Ort. Speed — I pray : 



scene ii.] A TRAGEDY. 77 

Haste to the prisoners cells. My lord, delay not. 
I will on our way relate the dark design 
That aims at Ivan's freedom. 

Narit. Righteous Heaven ! 
Now, ere this blade drops blood, in mercy strike 

me ! — 
My sword — my cloak : take thou thy weapons, 

Galvez. 
Petrowna ! 'tis for thee my bosom bleeds : 
Oh be deep slumber on her. Speed we forth 
To Ivan's cell. [Exeunt. 

Vet. (within) Why ! why this long delay ? 
(enters) It tortures me. — My Lord Naritzin gone? 
Without one brief farewell ! Who guards the por- 
tal ? [soldier enters. 
Where is thy lord ? 

Sol. But now he past the gate. 

Vet. Alone? 

Sol. No : Galvez with him — swift they sped : 
With him a soldier of the guard, no doubt 
Fraught with important mission. 

Vet. Merciful Heaven ! 
Hast thou deceived me, Mirovitz? my friend ! 
In thy good guard I trust — speed quickly on — 
On to the eastern ramparts. Aid me Heaven. 

[Exeunt. 



78 IVAN, [act v. 

SCENE III. 

The outside of Ivan's Cell. 

Naritzin, Galvez, and Ortosk enter. 

Narit. Soldier! on yon commanding bastion 
take 

Thy stand : that eminence oerlooks the fortress. 

Note carefully if aught unwonted strike 

Thy wary eye : and give me timely warning. 

\stations him on the outside of the scene. 

I charge yon, on your life, keep strictest watch. 

Galvez, there take thy stand; and, at my sum- 
mons, 

Speed quickly hither, (by himself). Not a sound, 
no motion — 

Oh ! that the roar of winds, the crash of thun- 
der 

Peal'd through these noiseless vaults, so might 
they silence 

These audible throbs, this tempest in my heart! 

There — Ivan — there — thou slumberest in yon 
dungeon. [approaches the cell. 

Now when I visited the prisoners' cells, 

Each, one by one, though there my main charge 
lay, 

I could not break upon thy hour of rest. 

Thrice I drew near the cell, with full intent 

To warn thee of my vow : my heart recoil'd ; 



scene in] A TRAGEDY. 79 

Yet all must "be reveal'd, or worse ensues. 

[he listens at the door of the Cell. 
Soft ! 'tis his hour of slumber — why that sound? 
What do I hear ! his deep groan strikes my 

ear: 
And now a quick and agitated step 
Rin2:s on the echoing flints — belov'd Petrownal 
All hope of bliss with thee is fled for ever ; 
Ivan must know his doom — Ivan ! 

Ivan, (in the cell.) Who summons ? 
Tis not the time. 

Narit. (unlocks the cell.) Ivan ! 

Ivan. Who loudly summons? 
Thy name ? thy purpose ? 

Narit. You behold Naritzin. 
Why did you ask, who summons? what thy 



meaning 



Look on me steadily, thou art not wont 
To turn thine eye from mine. 

Ivan. Naritzin here? 
Not bauish'd — this thy coming, so unlook'd for ! 

Narit. I understand thee not — but, 'tis no 
time 
For idle words ; and my full heart is fraught 
Beyond its bearing — I have kindly used you. 
Harsh deed, or bitter word, beneath my rule, 
Has never reach'd thee — and I come, commission'd 
To soothe thy woe, and free thee from vile chains. 
Let me unclasp these fetters. (Unclasps them, 

Ivan. Oh, my arm! 



80 IVAN, [act v. 

Art thou unchain'd ? might I but front the mur- 
derer 
Who plung'd me here ? — Naritzin, these free limbs 
So long have borne the burden of those chains, 
They seem, mcihinks, now reft of half their sub- 
stance. 
And owe I this to thee? 

Narit. I must disclose it, 
While yet my voice has power — Ivan, 'tis sworn, 
The solemn vow is ratified in Heaven. 
No — to a fiend my plighted soul is bound, 
To fix this murderous dagger in thy heart. 
Yet, had I not so sworn, Rimuni's hand, 
Ere now, had stabb'd thee. 

Ivan. Let Rimuni stab me — ■ 
I would not that my blood should stain thy hand, 
And lay Heaven's curse upon thee. 

Narit. Now by that wish — Oh, by thy firm as- 
surance 
Of heaven, and bliss hereafter, I conjure thee, 
Thus, on my knee — - 

Ivan. Rise ! rise ! 

Narit. First grant my prayer. 
In pity to thyself — to me in mercy, 
If thou wilt spare my soul the sin of blood, 
Swear, that henceforth, tho' fraud or violence 
Should ope thy prison cell, thou wilt reject 
The gift of offer'd freedom. 

Ivan. No, I dare not. 

Narit. Yet hear me, Ivan— swear thou wilt re- 
ject it; 






scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 81 

And, day by day, thou, at Naritzin's side, 
Shalt of the freshness of the free winds driuk, 
And on thy cheek of youth the blood shall leap 
To wanton in the sunbeam — thou shalt thrill 
At voice of human kindness ; and gay sounds, 
The lute and song, shall chase thy day-light down, 
And gladness greet thy revels. 

Ivan. No, I dare not. 
But yesterday my oath had answer d thee, 
And sanctify'd thy offer — never, now — 
'Twas but this morn I heard th' exulting call 
Of high rais'd hope, of freedom, vengeance, em- 
pire. 
I am not master of my mind — my soul 
Has been disturbed, and my proud spirit soard 
On the high wing of infinite desires, 
That burn for their accomplishment — no — never 
Shall Ivan be what once he was, content 
To lurk with vipers in th' empoison'd cell, 
And coiFd in frozen apathy, there perish, 
Crushed like a noisome reptile from creation, 
Beneath the foot that spurns it. 

Narit. (to himself, in utmost agonyJMust I slay 

him? 
Ivan. What — bribe me to submission with gay 
pleasures, 
The lute, and song, and feast? Unchain the lion, 
Whom time and famine, and sore blows, have 

taught 
To crouch beneath man's foot in seeming tameness, 
Then bid him lick the hand that beckons him 
Back to the den- so henceforth look on Ivan. 



82 IVAN, [act v, 

Narit. 'Tis sworn, this dagger slays thee. 

Ivan. Away — who made thee arbiter of em- 
pires ? 
Bade thee upraise a slave to sovereignty, 
And wrest his father's sceptre from a monarch, 
Whose arm has strength to wield it, and whose 

heart, 
Taught by self- woe, and sense of human frailty, 
Would temper it with mercy. — Who am I? 
Thy sov'reign — Thou ! such as thy sires of old : 
Thy breath, thy being, hangs upon my word — 
No more with woe's weak plaint I sue for pity: 
The mandate of my sovereign will obey ; 
Abjure thy impious vow, unbar the cell, 
And, calling on the King of kings, replace 
On my anointed brow the diadem : 
Then shall my pardon, cancelling thy crime, 
Draw down Heaven's mercy on thee. 

(Footsteps heard. 

Narit. What that sound? 

Ivan. I heard none. 

Nar. (half distracted with horror) Ha! away! 
— no earthly power 
Shall force him hence — have I not sworn his 

death ? 
Hear, fiend of hell ! 

• Ivan. Thick gathering drops of sweat 
Fall from his face. (Tower clock strikes one. 

That was th' appointed hour ! 
The tower strikes one ! (Galvez rushes in. 

Gal. As towards the east I gaz'd, 
I saw a beacon on the topmost tower 









scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 83 

Distinctly wave ; then suddenly it vanished, 
And all was dark. 

Nar. Speed, speed ! resume thy station ; 
Observe again what passes. 

As Galvez goes out, a violent knocking is 
heard at the outside of the cell. 

Ivan. Who thus knocks ? 

Pet. (without) It is Petrowna : haste — unclose 
the cell. 
Ivan ! unclose the cell. 

Ivan, (to Narit.) Conceal that dagger. 
My death-groan must not wound Petrowna's ear. 

Pet. (without) Oh ! do not murder him ! un- 
close the cell. 
They come — on every side swift gleaming lights 
Flash to and fro. 

Ivan, (opens the cell; he and Petrowna em- 
brace) Petrowna! 
' Pet. Horror ! horror ! 
Naritzin ! Ivan ! whither shall I turn ? 
I know thy horrid vow: the daemon told it. 
Come to me, Ivan ! (Galvez rushes in. 

Gal. Treason ! I beheld 
The beacon torch thrice wave. 

(Ortosk rushes in. 

Con. Come forth : arm'd men, 
Rush tow rd the prisoner's cell. 

Narit. Ring out th' alarum ; 
Summon the guard. Petrowna ! to thy chamber. 
Horror and death surround the cell- away ! 

Ivan. If Ivan e'er was dear to thee, depart ! 






84 IVAN, [act v. 

Pet. I stir not hence ; they have deceiv'd me, 
Ivan! 
I did not counsel this. Thou shalt not slay him ! 
My breast his shield. 

(Alarum rings. The tumult of the Conspira- 
tors is heard.) 
Miro. (without) Force down the iron draw- 
bridge ; 
Break down the bars. 
Rim. (without) Rescue to Ivan ! 
Conspirators, (ivithout) Rescue t 
Narit. Not if this sword has power. Galvez ! 
come forth. (They rush out. 

Ivan, (to Petrowna) Not thine the plot. Oh ! 

loose me — I will aid him. 
Vet. Stay ! Ivan, stay ! Their numbers will 
o'erpower them ; 
They close them in on every side. Help, Heav'n ! 
Ivan. Unclasp thy hold : this arm shall guard 
Naritzin. 
(As Ivan is rushing forth, Rimuni, and se- 
veral of the Conspirators enter with flam- 
ing torches and waving swords.) 
Ri?n. Be all the past forgotten. (Kneels.) Em- 
peror, hail ! 
Rimuni's hand shall crown thee. 
Ivan. Thou! thou crown me! 

(Snatches a sivord from one of the Conspira- 
tors.) 
Thy sword. Thou crown me! — first the fiend of 
darkness 



scene in.] A TRAGEDY. 65 

Shall cleave the womb of earth, and round this 
brow 

Rivet his burning diadem. Die, monster ! 

(They fight. Rimuni icounds Ivan, who 
sinks, struggling, on one knee.) 
Rim. Not by thy nerveless arm ! (To the soldier. 
Vet. He bleeds — brave men ! 
Defend him — guard your sovereign ! 

[As they advance Ivan starts up. 
Ivan. Back, back, slaves. 
Yet, yet this arm has strength to sweep from earth 
This daemon : aid, kind Heaven, this righteous 

blow, 
Then to thy rest receive me. 

(They fight — Ivan kills him. 
Rim. Mercy! mercy! 

[Rimuni dies ; during this time the tumult is 
heard without, and now Feodor and Mi- 
rovitz, and the remaining Conspirators, 
rush in, driving back Naritzin, Gal- 
vez, and Soldiers. 
Miro. Ivan, come forth! 'tis Mirovitz who calls 
thee ! 
To freedom — vengeance— empire ! 

Narit. (snatching the sword from Ivan, stands 
over him with the dagger, in act to strike Ivan) 
Never! never! 

Thou must not live — back, traitors, or this dagger 
Now strikes him dead. 

Vet. (seizing his arm) Oh, do not shed his 
blood ; 
First pierce Petrowna's breast. 



86 IVAN, A TRAGEDY. [act v. 

Ivan, (to Naritzin) Naritzin, stay, 
Stay thy rash hand, not on thy soul that curse. 
Miro. (to Feodor) Wrest, wrest the dagger 
from him — (to Conspirators) Rescue Ivan : 
Think of your oaths. 
Cons. Rescue to Ivan. 
Narit. Never, 
While I have being. 

(Feodor wrests the dagger from Naritzin, 
Mirovitz rushes forward to slay him.) 
Miro. Die then. 

(Petrowna seizes the arm of Mirovitz. 
Vet. Ivan — Ivan — 
I sooth'd thy sufferings : shield Petrowna's hus- 
band, 
Or bury in this breast that murderous blade ! 

Ivan. I will defend him — yea, and free his soul 
From that fell daemon's yoke. 
Pet. Ivan. 
Ivan. Hush! hush! 
Oh ! be at peace ! — another word unman's me — 
The wretched Ivan can no more sustain 
The anguish of thy soul — 

(Snatches the dagger from Mirovitz, and 
stabs himself.) 
Thus, thus, I end it — 
And in thy arms, Petrowna, die in peace. (Dies. 



THE END. 



Printed by J. F. DOVE, St. John's Sqnare. 



ON THE PERFORMANCE OF 

MISS O'NEIL, 

At the Birmingham Theatre, October, 1816. 

WHO can, like Neil, so pow'rfully diffuse 
Th' entrancing charms of the dramatic muse ? 
Who can, like her, so feelingly pourtray 
The human passions, in correct array; 
And give to each, in the minutest part, 
The nat'ral trait that tremulates the heart ; 
While Sensibility's sweet touch refin'd, 
With pow'i'ful magic seizes on the mind? 
Matchless she stands; and Envy shrinks away, 
Struck dumb with wonder, from the face of day 
And ev'ry tongue and ev'ry hand conveys 
The echoing sounds of universal praise. 

Thus may applause long wait on her career, 
And ease and affluence her moments cheer ; 
Long may she live to grace (devoid of strife) 
The walks of social and of public life ; 
And immortality embalm her name 
On the high summit of dramatic fame. 



On Miss O'NeiPs want of Generosity. 

With all O'Neil's surprising art and skill, 
Her wond'rous pow'rs, and energy at will, 
What pity 'tis— -benevolence of spirit 
Should form no part of her amazing merit! 
When such abundance fell unto her lot, 
Why was the Gen'ral Hospital forgot ? 
Greedy she seems for soft bank paper's touchy 
And thinks the public cannot give too much. 
Whatever sum unto her share may fall, 
Her Av'rice wants it, and she'll nail'iX all. 






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